Yampa River Icehouse — Restaurant in Four Corners States

In my entire life, I’ve never seen a server as disengaged, entitled, and unprofessional as Megan—and believe me, I’ve dined out a few times. Truly impressive work.

We waited 15 minutes before Megan even acknowledged us, despite the place being emptier than a Blockbuster in 2025. Eventually, the hostess had to step in and take our order because Megan was far too busy perfecting her Olympic-level horseplay routine behind the bar. By the time she finally strolled over, we already had drinks in hand and food ordered. Megan had officially contributed… nothing.

The performance continued. Food arrived courtesy of the food runners (shout-out to them, the unsung heroes), while Megan demonstrated her expertise in hugging co-workers and laughing loudly near the kitchen. To my surprise, Megan checked in once—yes, one. That golden moment was when I mentioned that my chicken was undercooked. Rather than handle it, she gave me a crash course on the smoking process, complete with a TED Talk about hemoglobin. The opening line? “No, it’s cooked. You must not eat smoked chicken.” Ah yes, the customer-is-always-wrong school of hospitality.

When she wasn’t dismissing us, Megan was laser-focused on the eight-top behind us, because apparently drink tickets inspire motivation in ways basic service never could. By the time we were done with our meal, we had waive down another waiter just to get Megan’s precious attention—another 10 minutes wasted curtesy of our amazing waitress, Megan . Thanks Megan.

The finale came when she delivered the check and proceeded to argue with my fiancée—yes, argue—about how the chicken was actually amazing and that we were clearly in the wrong for being disappointed. Because nothing says “customer service” like gaslighting guests into loving their meal after ignoring them their entire visit.

Megan is the embodiment of everything managers claim they’re “working on fixing.” Young, entitled, and operating in her own dimension where horse-playing with co-workers and hiding near the bar trumps filling water glasses. The fact that this restaurant allows it is astonishing, though I’m sure this wasn’t Megan’s first rodeo—and I’m certain it won’t be the last.

If you’re into performance art disguised as food service, ask for Megan. Otherwise, maybe sit at the bar and hope the hostess takes pity on you again.

Please take your business elsewhere—this establishment is a joke, but no one...

Great BBQ and summer Saturday by the river. Went to Steamboat Springs on a Saturday in July. The farmer's market was in full swing. We actually found a great parking spot on Main St very close to Yampa River Icehouse. We totally were expecting a loooong wait. It was around noon. We went in and saw the hostess. She offered us space on the upstairs deck if we wanted, which was shaded, and we checked it out, but there were no tables available, only bar style seating along the rail. We decided to put our names on the list for a patio table and grab a drink at the bar while we waited. The bartender waited on us promptly. I ordered a jalapeno margarita, and the hubby had a beer from the local brewery (Storm Peak). By the time we had finished our beverages, our table was ready. We got a table not riverside (I included a picture) but with a river view (totally cool because I can't picture eating BBQ in an Adirondack Chair and a low table). I think the riverside seating is great for enjoying beverages and maybe an appetizer. The place was slammed, but the servers hustled. They made sure they kept up with their tables. My husband and I got the chicken wing appetizer. The wings are smoked and then fried. They had such good flavor, were moist, and had a great crunch. We decided to share the combo platter. You get to pick 2 meats and a side. We ordered 3 extra sides. So our combo consisted of brisket and the ribs, mac n cheese, handcut fries, coleslaw, and cornbread. The brisket had a great smoke ring and was just tough enough to chew, but it didn't just fall apart either. The ribs were cooked similarly, where it was enjoyable to pull the meat off the bone. Alone both had great flavor. I tried the House BBQ Sauce. For me, it was a little too vinegary. I prefer sweet & spicy. My husband loves coleslaw and devoured it. So I guess it was good ;) The mac n cheese was creamy and flavorful, and the cornbread was super moist and tasty. We look forward to going back and spending another Saturday...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I Saw God… and He Was a Beef Rib”

Listen. I didn’t come to this riverside restaurant expecting a life-altering experience. I came for a casual dinner. Maybe some scenic vibes. Maybe a salad I could ignore while pretending to be healthy.

What I got? A beef rib so glorious, so tender, it could have been legally classified as a cuddle.

Let’s set the scene: I’m sitting by the river, birds chirping, the sun setting like it’s auditioning for a Nicholas Sparks adaptation. I’m feeling peaceful, reflective, maybe even poetic. Then the server brings it out. The Rib. Capital T, capital R.

It arrives on a plate that’s just big enough to hold its majesty, glistening like it’s been basted with the tears of angels and smoked over wood from the Tree of Knowledge. I took one bite and blacked out. When I came to, I was weeping openly. A child at the next table asked if I was okay. I told her I had just met my soulmate, and his name was Beef Rib.

The meat fell off the bone faster than my will to diet. Juicy, smoky, and seasoned like the chef made a deal with the devil in exchange for barbecue secrets. I wanted to propose. To the rib, not the chef. (Though the chef can call me.)

And the view? Oh, just a meandering river that sparkled in the sunlight like it knew it was part of something historic. Ducks floated by. I swear one of them winked at me like, “Yeah bro, that rib hits different.”

Final thoughts: Come for the view. Stay for the beef rib. Leave with a new sense of purpose and the knowledge that no other meal will ever compare.

Would give it 6 stars, but the rating system is too weak to contain this level of...